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Our Team
At Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, we know all our clients demand high quality care as well as great service. To meet this expectation, we’ve assembled an expert team of veterinary professionals—doctors, veterinary technicians (many “certified” or CVTs), tech assistants, front desk personnel, kennel staff, and a full-time business manager.
Veterinarians
Dr. Amber Herron, DVM
Owner / Lead Veterinarian
Dr. Amber Herron became lead veterinarian and owner of Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital in January 2018. A native Kansan, Dr. Herron has practiced veterinary medicine in Billings and the surrounding area since 2006. She is a graduate of Kansas State University where she completed requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, then remained at K-State for her medical education, completing her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) four years later. Like all our docs, Dr. Herron offers care to a wide range of small animals and pocket pets—everything from dogs and cats and birds to bunnies, chinchillas, and reptiles. She is married and spends her free time with her husband Jim, two children, and operates a Bulldog breeding business on the side.
Dr. Erika Cantamessa, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Erika Cantamessa has been an associate veterinarian with Caring Hands since 2015. She is a native of Wallace, Idaho, and did her undergraduate work at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. She received her DVM from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, WA. Dr. Erika (as she prefers to be called) enjoys reading, crafting and crocheting, long walks, and time with her kids. She and her family have 1 dog, a golden retriever named Bob.
Dr. Erin Maxted, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Erin Maxted joined our team as a DVM after graduating from Iowa State University in 2023. With over a decade of experience working with animals, she also served as a veterinary technician prior to becoming a doctor, gaining hands-on expertise in patient care. Her professional interests include internal and sports medicine, as well as equine and large animal care. She’s currently pursuing a Master’s in Conservation Medicine to further her understanding of the connections between animal health and the environment.
Outside the clinic, Erin enjoys skiing, hiking, and backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains. At home, she raises fish and adores her furry family: Misha, a Malamute, Cricket, a terrier mix, and her cats Sassy and Luna. Known for her honesty and passion, Dr. Maxted is committed to delivering thoughtful, comprehensive care to every patient.
Dr. Jessica French, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Coming Soon
Veterinary Technicians
Marcie
Laboratory Lead and Veterinary Technician
Marcie is the clinic’s IV catheter Queen. She is originally from Ogden, Utah, but lives here in Billings with her Husband and two kiddos. Marcie has worked for the clinic since 2012, and is our Lead technician and Pharmacy Manager. She enjoys spending her time off at the gym, or hanging out with family and friends.
Fay
Lead - Client Care Specialist
Fay is a Montana native who came to work for us in July of 2020. She has a background working for grooming and boarding facilities, and has proved to be a huge asset to the Caring Hands family. She likes to spend her time off in the mountains, hiking, riding horses, and taking pictures. When not outdoors, she can be found wandering Gainan’s, or the plant section of Home Depot.
Lara
Lead Tech and Reptile Specialist
Lara is our resident reptile lady! She has worked for Caring Hands since the end of 2017 and has been a technician for the last 2 years. Lara spends her time with her two dogs Raelee and Freya, doing various dog sports, including agility and dock diving, while also running a successful Gecko breeding business! Lara is in school, with a goal to be a Veterinarian. We hope to snag her after vet school!
Seren
Veterinary Technician
Seren came to us from Red Lodge and has been a fantastic addition to our staff. She spends her free time hanging outside and rock hounding. As well as spending time with her three dogs, Otter, Myrtel and Smalls. She also has two birds Jerry and Sassy.
Maddi Roller
Veterinary Technician
Coming Soon
Operations
Dr. James Herron, PHD
Chief Administrative Officer
Jim is our Chief Administrative Officer for the practice and assumed administrator duties in the spring of 2018. A psychologist by training, we don’t know what we would do without him here at the clinic! He is a retired educator and has been married to Dr. Herron DVM since 2000. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, tending to his chickens, and writing.
